The Activity Department is responsible for directly providing or coordinating resources and efforts to provide for an ongoing program of activities designed to meet, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment, the interests and the physical, mental and psychosocial well-being of each resident/patient. The Activity Assistant is responsible for planning and coordinating the activity program in coordination with and supervision of the Social Services/Activities Director.

Because the activities program should occur within the context of each resident/patient’s comprehensive assessment and care plan, it should be multi-faceted and reflect each individual resident/patient’s needs. Therefore, the activities program should provide stimulation or solace; promote physical, cognitive and/ or emotional health; enhance to the extent practicable each person’s physical and mental status; and promote each person’s self-respect by providing, for example, activities that allow for self-expression and choice.

Activities can occur at any time and are not limited to formal activities being provided by Activity staff. Others involved may be any facility staff, volunteers, visitors, family members and other residents.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To develop an Activity Program designed to meet the individual needs of each resident/patient. The programs will be designed to reflect the interest and/or ability levels of the residents/patients. The individualized Activity Program for each resident/patient will be developed based on the comprehensive assessment, the Activity Assessment, the interests and the physical, mental and psychosocial well-being of each resident/patient. The resident/patient’s activity care plan will be based on this assessment and will reflect the established activity program for the resident/patient.
Planning, coordinating, and directing a program of activities that provides interaction, exercises, relaxation, opportunity to express creative talents, and to fulfill basic psychological, social, emotional and cognitive needs.
Working with the resident/patient’s attending physician and with the nursing department, as well as other support services, in planning the resident/patient’s individualized activity plan.
Participating in resident/patient assessments, interdisciplinary resident care plan meetings, etc., in planning for the resident/patient ’s total plan of care.
To complete necessary activity documentation including but not limited to activity assessments, progress notes and participation records. Activity documentation will include discussion on outcomes / responses to activities interventions as well as other identified information.
To arrange for activities such as seasonal events and trips as able.
To provide a one-to-one activity program for those residents/patients who are unable to pursue their own activities. This individualized One-to-One Activity Program will be developed in keeping with the resident/patient’s lifelong interests (e.g., music, reading, visits with individuals who share their interests or reasonable attempts to connect the resident with such individuals). Members of all departments will also assist the resident/patient in finding activities or in room projects he or she can pursue independently, as able.
To provide a varied program of large and small group activities designed to promote social skills, development of creative talent, exercise, intellectual stimulation, community involvement and relaxation. The Activity Assistant will also develop specialized small groups to meet specific resident needs as determined through the Activity Assessment.
To inform, encourage and assist residents/patients to attend and participate in scheduled activities. This includes working with the nursing department to obtain their assistance in having residents/patients up and ready for activities as well as informing, encouraging and assisting residents/patients to activity programs.
To assist with building relationships and socialization skills between residents/patients.
To assist new and current residents/patients in adjusting to the nursing home or swing bed situation.
To assist the Social Service Director in providing staff support to the Resident Council.
To assist in the development and retention of a volunteer program.
To post a monthly activity calendar, which is attractive, readable and eye catching. The calendar will also reflect the schedule, choices and rights of residents’ offer activities at hours convenient to the residents/patients (e.g., morning, afternoon, evening and weekends); reflects the cultural and religious interests of the resident/patient population; and appeals to both men and women and all age groups living in the facility.
To make sure activity programs take place on time and as scheduled. Residents/patients will be notified of changes in the activity calendar events.
To decorate the facility, bulletin boards and other appropriate areas to make the facility a more home-like, warm and exciting place to be.
To maintain contact with public and private agencies, groups and individuals in the community to encourage community involvement with the residents/patients in the facility.
To pass out mail and assist residents/patients who need assistance in either opening it and/ or reading it to them and assisting then in writing letters.
To sort through donated clothing to see what items can be used. Residents/patients needing clothing will be supplied through the clothes closet.
To inform the Social Services/Activities Director and/or Administrator as any needed activity supplies and/or equipment.
Other duties as directed by the Administrator.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education/Training Experience: High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Minimum related experience in related field.

Is a qualified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or an Activities Professional who – a) is licensed or registered, if applicable, by the state in which practicing; and b) is eligible for certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or as an Activities Professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1, 1990; or
Has two years’ experience in social or recreational program within the last 5 years, 1 of which was full-time in a patient activities program in a health care setting; or
Is a qualified Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant; or
Has completed a training course approved by the state or is eligible to complete next available training course (consultation will be provided as needed during interim).

Verbal and Written Communication Skills: Must be able to read, write and speak the English language. Must be able to follow oral & written directions. Computer skills are required for communication, documentation in the electronic health record, and other programs for use in activities.

Interpersonal Skills: Relates cooperatively and constructively with all patients, guests, families, physicians, peers, and all healthcare members as well as anyone that JHS’ employees interact with while performing their daily duties.

Essential Technical/Motor Skills: Moderate eye-hand coordination. Must be able to operate cooking appliances.

Essential Mental Abilities: Knowledgeable and competent to perform essential functions. Must be able to deal with a variety of personalities with whom the employer comes into contact with, both pleasant and irate.

Essential Sensory Requirements: Ability to visually and audibly perform all essential functions.

Essential Physical Requirements: High amount of walking, standing, sitting, reaching, pulling, pushing, stooping, and kneeling. Present up to date physical examination showing freedom from communicable diseases, and in good health and physical condition. Minimal lifting requirements of forty (40) to fifty (50) pounds.

Exposure to Hazards: Minimal exposure to infectious diseases, blood, and body fluids.

Other: Assume responsibility for professional growth and expertise.

Standards of Performance:

Must meet minimum requirements of the performance standards outlined in the criteria-based evaluation form. Competency package includes evaluation and job description.
Must meet minimum physical requirements as outlined in this job description.
Must meet education and experience requirements as outlined in this job description.

The above is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all supplemental duties, responsibilities, or non-essential requirements.

I certify that I have read the Jasper Health Services, Inc. “Code of Conduct” booklet which summarizes JHS’s Legal Compliance Program and the conduct expected of me as an employee. I understand that the Compliance Program Policy Manual is available in my work area for my reference. I agree specifically to act in accordance with the policies of Jasper Health Services set forth in the “Code of Conduct” and “Compliance Program Policy Manual” and understand that I will be subject to disciplinary action, including termination, for violating these policies or failing to report violations of these policies.

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Social Services Activities Assistant

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